ARES STRATEGIC INCOME FUND 8-K

What Happened
Ares Strategic Income Fund announced it sold 341,423 Class I common shares during June 2026 (number finalized June 23, 2026) for $9.2 million, at the Fund’s NAV per Class I share as of May 31, 2026. The sale was exempt from Securities Act registration under Section 4(a)(2) and/or Regulation S. The Fund also reported its NAV and operational metrics as of May 31, 2026: NAV per share was $27.00 for Class I, S and D; aggregate NAV ≈ $10.8 billion; portfolio fair value ≈ $21.7 billion; debt outstanding ≈ $11.2 billion (debt-to-equity 1.06x, or 1.03x net of ~$301M cash). The Fund had about $4.8 billion available to borrow under existing credit facilities (subject to restrictions).

Key Details

• Unregistered sale: 341,423 Class I shares in June 2026 for $9.2 million (price = NAV as of 5/31/26).
• Distributions: June gross $0.21430/share (payable ~7/23/2026; record date 6/30/2026). Net per share: Class I $0.21430, Class S $0.19544 (after $0.01886 fee), Class D $0.20875 (after $0.00555 fee). July–Sept 2026 gross monthly distributions also declared at $0.21430/share.
• Performance & yield: Since inception through 5/31/26 Class I annualized total return 10.27%; May 2026 monthly total return for Class I was 0.98%. Annualized distribution rates (as of 5/31/26): Class I 9.52%, Class S 8.67%, Class D 9.27%.
• Portfolio & leverage: 831 portfolio companies; 92% of debt investments (by fair value) are floating-rate; 77.8% of investments are first‑lien senior secured loans; expense ratios (annualized as of 3/31/26) Class I 8.02% (gross/net).

Why It Matters
The unregistered Class I share sale ($9.2M) is modest relative to the Fund’s total issued shares and ongoing registered offering program. Investors should note the Fund’s reported NAV stability ($27.00), declared monthly distributions and the stated annualized distribution yields, which are part of the Fund’s income profile. Key risk/structural facts—notably its leverage level (1.06x gross, ~1.03x net), $4.8B available borrowing capacity, heavy allocation to senior secured and floating‑rate debt, and material expense ratios—are relevant for income-seeking investors assessing yield sustainability, interest-rate sensitivity and fees. This 8‑K is a factual update (including performance through 5/31/26) and not an earnings release or management change.